20130811023459A

On 08/11/2013, the pilot in command (PIC) of N4514S, a Beechcraft F33A, enroute from greenville Texas to lakeway airpark (3R9) in lakeway Texas. During the flight, the PIC diverted from his original plan and subsequently crashed approximately 18 sw of Ennis Texas.

The PIC was first identified by ATC (quitman low altitude sector) at approximately 0955 local, requesting VFR flight following to lakeway airpark (3R9) in lakeway Texas. Aircraft was radar identified at 0957 local and was issued a local altimeter, and at 1001 local traffic information for the terrell Texas airport (trl) was issued to the PIC and again at 1003 local, along with a frequency change to which he acknowledged. The PIC complied with the frequency change, and then at 1017 local was issued another change to waco approach, he then checked on at 1018 local at 10,500 feet.

At 1024 local the PIC advised waco approach that he would like to cancel flight following and go to Ennis (F41) Texas. Waco acknowledged his request and terminated flight following at 1025 local. At 1033 the PIC checked back in with waco approach and advises he is turning back towards Ennis and was experiencing some fuel issues and requested the closest airport to his location, at which time waco approach asked him to ident for radar identification. At 1034 waco advised the PIC that they were not receiving his ident, and the PIC replied ?roger that I?m gonna?. Waco advised the PIC that Ennis would be the closet airport from his location. Then at 1034 waco tried to contact the aircraft and the transmissions went unanswered.

At approximately 1045 local, N4514S impacted the ground near the city of rankin Texas (75119 rankin, there are 2 in Texas), striking a small cedar tree with the left wing just after impact, ripping the tip tank of the left wing, and continued another 30 feet impacting another small tree at which point the aircraft came to rest.

The engine and associated mounts were separated from the aircraft and were 8 feet forward of the fuselage, the aircraft erupted in a fire destroying the fuselage and killing both the PIC and passenger. Both occupants were identified by the dallas county coroner?s office as they were burned beyond recognition.

Investigation into the accident originally led towards fuel exhaustion, but the resulting fire showed obvious signs that the fire was fueled by aviation fuel resulting in extreme temperatures capable of melting the aircraft structure to the point that it did. The PIC had purchased fuel in greenville and the amount should have been more than enough to make the flight that day, however in his transmission to waco approach he stated that he was experiencing some fuel issues without further clarification as to the extent of the issue. Greenville's fuel records and samples were reviewed and fuel contamination was eliminated.

Examination of the power plant components, specifically the propeller which had been sheared off the engine, indicated that the engine was not making power upon impact. The engine crankshaft at the shear point had no signs of twisting which also supports the conclusion of the engine not producing power. Fuel selector for the aircraft was completely destroyed (melted) and was not available for determination of tank selected, however, both wing tanks burned in a manner suggesting fuel was present during the fire.

Determination of whether this accident was caused by a mechanical failure or it was pilot induced is not possible due to the extent of damage to the airframe, and there were no creditable witnesses of the accident.